COVENTRY’S Octavian Droobers steered a winning route in the prestigious JK 2010 four-day orienteering event in Devon, where they achieved more than their fair share of success.

More than 2,700 competitors from all over UK and Europe took part and on the opening day at Bicton College near Budleigh Salterton where, despite heavy showers, the club’s juniors made a big impact in the sprint as Harrison McCartney scored a brilliant victory in the M12 category.

On day two, the dark plantations of Cookworthy Forest, near Holsworthy, was the muddy venue but the Droobers hit a rich vein of form as six members came first in their respective classes: Ella-Rose McCartney (W10A), Rachel Emmerson (W14A), Zoe Nicolson (W14B), Jamie Nicolson (M12B), Ben Ross (M18S) and Liz Cross (W40S). Second positions went to Harrison McCartney (M12A), Sophie Kirk (W18 Elite), Lesley Ross (W40L) and Sheila Carey (W60L).

Braunton Burrows on the north coast of Devon staged the third day and presented a different challenge on the fast terrain but again six winners came the Coventry club’s way with Ella-Rose McCartney (W10A), Harrison McCartney (M12A), Hamish Rogers (M14A), Sophie Kirk (W18 Elite), Hilary Simpson (W70L) and Jamie Nicolson (M12B) their aces in the pack. Harriet Batten (W18L), while Helen Elkington (W18S) and Peter Guillaume (M60S) came second.

The results of the second and third days combined produced Droobers’ JK champions in Ella Rose-McCartney, brother Harrison, Hamish Rogers and Lesley Ross.

Congratulations also go to Jamie Nicolson (M12B) and sister Zoe (W14B), who were B class winners. Sophie Kirk (W18) came second in the Elite class, Helen Elkington (W18S), Judith Guillaume (W55S) and Peter Guillaume (M60S) were also runners-up.

The relays were held on Day Four on the dunes of Braunton and the club fielded 20 teams of three. The junior girls were the most successful with victory to the trio of Harriet Batten (W18), Heather Rogers (W12) and Sophie Kirk (W18) while in third came the threesome of Rachel Emmerson (W14), Julie Emmerson (W14) and Emma Kettley (W18).